Research Lab Technician II

The Department of Neurosurgery is seeking an experienced biomedical research lab technician to join the Tran Neuro-Oncology Research Program. The successful candidate will have a strong background in biomedical research and will contribute to advanced research projects, including cancer models. The candidate will assist various research projects and help bring a novel gene therapy treatment to FDA investigational new drug approval stage.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct and support in vivo surgical procedures in mouse cancer models, including pre- and post-operative care, and contribute to the maintenance and management of a diverse colony
• Assist in the design, execution, and analysis of bioluminescent imaging experiments in mouse cancer models to monitor tumor progression and evaluate treatment efficacy
• Perform standard and cutting-edge molecular biology (e.g. PCR amplification, cloning, gel electrophoresis, virus production) and genomic experiments (e.g. scRNA-seq) both in traditional wet lab and cGMP facilities
• Learn new techniques quickly and strict attention to details, essential for cGMP manufacturing
• Provide general and specific laboratory support such as ordering supplies, organization of laboratory materials, maintaining laboratory equipment, and cataloging of biological and non-biological materials.
• Possess excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to collaborate within and outside of the Tran Lab, due to the multi-lab nature of these projects
• Write, report, and analysis of experimental results
• Work with other lab members to assist and learn new techniques and share your own skillsets with our team.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a related field with 2+ years of experience
• Master’s degree in biomedical research (or enrollment in a Master’s program with strong research accomplishments)
• Experience working with mouse models, or other in vivo work
• Familiarity with genomic next generation sequencing technologies
• Experience with basic molecular biology techniques
• Proficiency with computer software, databases, and statistical analysis
• Strong teamwork and communication skills, and motivation to contribute to biomedical research
• Professional and effective communication with lab members and the PI

The position is full-time and may require occasional flexible hours depending on the demands of experimental protocols and processing timelines.

Compensation:
The hourly rate range for this position is $24.46 - $28.84 When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Minimum Education: Associate's degree, Specialized/technical training, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 2 years Minimum Field of Expertise: Working knowledge of laboratory equipment and research protocols. Knowledge of computer analysis techniques and ability to provide routine analysis and interpretation of research data.